Ranchi witnessed an unusual and historic scene on August 10, 2026. Thousands of young protesters marched towards the Jharkhand Assembly carrying the national flag. However, another image drew greater attention during the march. Many participants held photographs of late JMM founder and former chief minister Shibu Soren. His son, Hemant Soren, currently serves as Jharkhand chief minister. Therefore, one question stood above everything else. Why did protesters opposing Hemant carry his father’s photograph?
Students and job aspirants have protested across Jharkhand for nearly 17 days. They allege irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations. Their main demands include cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination. Additionally, they want a CBI investigation into every alleged irregularity. Protesters also demand strict action against people involved in corruption.
On Sunday, August 9, the government held six hours of talks with students. Afterwards, authorities agreed to cancel the 14th JPSC Combined Civil Services preliminary examination. All three JPSC members also resigned. However, protesters continued pressing their remaining demands. They particularly sought JSSC-CGL cancellation and a CBI probe.
August 10 also marked Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s 51st birthday. Meanwhile, students announced a ‘Vidhan Sabha Gherao’. The march started near the old Assembly complex around 10 am. Protesters then covered three kilometres towards Jagannathpur Temple. Police had placed three layers of barricades near that location. However, students broke through those barriers and entered the Assembly area. Police then used lathis, water cannons, and tear gas shells. Still, demonstrators refused to retreat.
JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto became the most discussed face during that march. He had continued a hunger strike for nine days. During that period, Mahto had lost 10.5 kilograms. He could no longer walk, so he joined the march inside an ambulance. Significantly, Mahto carried Shibu Soren’s photograph in his hands.
Mahto explained why he chose that image. He said, “Guruji Shibu Soren struggled throughout his life and continuously led movements.” He added, “If he were alive, he would have joined our protest.” Mahto continued, “Guruji is no longer with us, but we have his photograph during this demonstration.”
Then, Mahto turned his argument towards Hemant Soren. He said, “If Hemant Soren considers Guruji his ideal…” However, he left the sentence unfinished. Through that question, protesters challenged the government’s refusal to accept their demands. Their message remained clear. They argued that Hemant had failed to follow the ideals associated with his father.
Shibu Soren’s Legacy Becomes the Protest’s Moral Symbol
Understanding the protest requires attention to Shibu Soren’s political legacy. He emerged as one of Jharkhand’s biggest tribal movement leaders. Shibu founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha in 1972. Later, he led the Jharkhand statehood movement from the 1980s. He also served three terms as Jharkhand chief minister. People widely knew him as ‘Dishom Guru’, meaning tribal guru.
His life symbolised struggles over water, forests, land, and dignity. Shibu fought moneylenders, landlords, and police brutality. Generations across Jharkhand grew up watching his political journey. Therefore, many students view him as more than a historical name. For them, Shibu represents justice, struggle, and truth.
That contrast now drives the agitation’s most striking symbolism. Students have placed large Shibu Soren cutouts inside Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium. One female student bowed before his cutout and made an emotional appeal.
She said, “Guruji, you created Jharkhand by fighting exploitation and irregularities.” She then targeted the present situation under his son’s rule. According to her, young people now see their dreams traded away inside that same state.
Another protester directly accused the government of breaking Shibu Soren’s dream. Consequently, students have separated his legacy from Hemant Soren’s administration. They honour the father’s ideals while challenging the son’s policies. In effect, protesters celebrate Soren senior’s legacy while using those principles against Hemant’s government.
Police Action Deepens Anger as Political Leaders Join the Debate
Clashes also erupted between police personnel and students during the demonstration. One injured protester directly addressed Hemant Soren after the confrontation. He said, “Hemant Soren ji, you should not have done this.” The protester added that students had demonstrated peacefully. He also said participants never abused anyone. According to him, police suddenly started the lathi-charge. He concluded, “This is not good.”
Meanwhile, police detained opposition leader Babulal Marandi and BJP leader Aditya Sahu. Both leaders had protested outside the chief minister’s residence. Marandi demanded CBI investigations into JPSC, JSSC, and CGL matters.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also criticised the use of force against students. He called the action “wrong”.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren, however, stressed dialogue. He said, “Dialogue, not lathis, sticks, or guns, provides solutions to every problem.” Moreover, he appealed to students to hold talks with the government.
Thus, the agitation now highlights a sharp divide between political inheritance and present governance. Students have chosen Shibu Soren’s image as their moral reference. At the same time, they question whether Hemant Soren’s administration reflects that legacy.
